Ensete is a rhizomatous genus of 7 species in the Musaceae family native to tropical Africa and tropical Asia. It is related to true Bananas (Musa), but unlike them, is monocarpic and never suckering.
Ensete ventricosum is found in southern Africa where it grows in high rainfall forests, forested ravines and along streams. It is a tall plant (6 to 12 meters) with a head of banana-like leaves and does not flower and bear fruit until it is about eight years old and after that it dies. It requires protection from heavy frost, fertile soil, warmth, and lots of water to grow well.